Completion of the Japan-funded Water Distribution Network in Al-Sarieh District in Irbid

UNOPS handed over approximately 95km-long renovated water distribution pipelines in Sarieh District in Irbid City to the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI). The construction of the network was funded by the Government of Japan as part of the USD 21.6 million grant aid programme “Urgent Improvement of Water Sector for the Host Communities of Syrian Refugees in Northern Governorates in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Phase 2)” to improve quality of and access to water supply services.

H.E. Mr. Shimazaki Kaoru, Japan’s Ambassador to Jordan, stated:

“Japan has been highly appreciative of Jordan's generous humanitarian support to the Syrian refugees in spite of its own economic and social constraints. Needless to say, the water sector is important in terms of not only supplying drinking water, but also promoting public hygiene during this pandemic."

He continued, "As the water sector is one of Japan’s priorities in the development assistance in Jordan, we have especially supported improvement of the water sector in the northern governorates since 2014, when the previous Phase 1 project started with a USD 22.4 million grant. I am glad that we can see the completion of the second component of the project. I really appreciate the dedication and cooperation for this project made by related authorities including MWI, UNOPS and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and I hope that this project would contribute to further development and prosperity for the government and the people of Jordan.”

Ms. Miyahara Chie, Chief Representative of JICA Jordan Office said: “I would like to express my profound gratitude to all concerned agencies (MWI/Irbid Governorate/Municipalities etc.) and UNOPS as our partner for completing the project. Under this COVID-19 situation, people’s demand for water is increasing, so, I hope rehabilitation of the water distribution in Sarieh area contributes to the improvement of water distribution to its residents and supports efficient use of the limited water resources.”

His Excellency, Eng. Mohammad Al-Najjar, the Minister of MWI, highlighted: “The project will increase efficiency of the networks and improve access to water in Irbid. I appreciate the continuous support from the Government and people of Japan to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan especially to the water sector, noting that this support has clearly contributed to alleviating the impact of the influx of Syrian refugees and enhanced the capabilities of the Yarmouk Water Company (YWC).”

The General Manager of YWC, Eng. Muntser Al Momani, added: “The project will improve YWC to find solutions for the water supply to the areas of Hawwara and Al-Sarieh in the city of Irbid, where the old network has been a cause of major imbalances to serve the project area. YWC appreciates our friends in Japan for their support to YWC and Jordan.”

Commending the achievement of the key milestone of the programme, Muhammad Usman Akram, Director, UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman, said: “I am proud to witness the steady progress of this critical project that serves around 70,000 people living in the host community. As a result of strong efforts with our partners to move the programme forward, the network was delivered on time during the challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdown measures. I look forward to the continuous collaboration with our partners in contributing to Jordan’s future together.”

This water sector intervention for the host communities of Syrian refugees will also support Jordan in its efforts towards the realization of Agenda 2030, and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)’s Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.